Andy Murray through to quarter-finals

Andy Murray said his victory over Benoit Paire “was by far the best” he has hit the ball during Wimbledon and has high hopes of reaching Sunday’s final.

Murray became just the third player in the Open era after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer to reach 10 consecutive quarter-finals at a single Grand Slam after he defeated Benoit Paire 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 6-4.

The world No 1 felt he took a step up from his performance against Fabio Fognini on Friday and shrugged off more questions about his troublesome hip.

“Like I said at the beginning of the tournament, I’ll be able to get through seven matches if that’s what I have to do,” Murray told a press conference.

“Obviously I want to try to get to the final. I’ve done a good job so far here. Today was by far the best I hit the ball, the cleanest I hit the ball. I was happy about that.

“The last couple of days, practice has been really good. I didn’t feel great during my last match. I didn’t feel like I played so well, not loads of rhythm in the first two matches.

“I definitely felt better today. That’s positive moving into the last few days of the tournament.”